Notes: We are currently in the development and testing stage for this air fryer frozen chicken legs recipe. Stay tuned for more updates. If you have any tips on making this dish even better, please leave us a comment below. We appreciate your input!
Happy frying!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Here are all you need to make air fried frozen chicken legs.
- Frozen chicken legs (drumsticks)
- Avocado oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
✦ You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.
Experiment with your favorite spices or sauces if you prefer a different flavor profile. You can use cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or a tangy BBQ sauce glaze.
Even better?
You can try other famous spice blends, such as cajun, bbq, lemon pepper, chipotle, or buffalo. There are lots of dry rub flavors out there, so you can try whichever one you fancy.
Oh, and before I forget, you can get flavored frozen chicken drumsticks. You can simply pop those in the air fryer for 25 – 30 minutes at 375ºF (190ºC) and serve. It’s certainly more manageable, but you won’t be able to customize the flavor.
Recipe Video
Here’s a video of a similar recipe that we’re going for.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken Legs in Air Fryer?
This recipe is straightforward, and perfect for amateur home cooks and anyone new to an air fryer. However, one common pitfall to watch out for is overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can hinder proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking.
To ensure evenly cooked chicken legs, ensure they are arranged in a single layer without overlapping.
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF (193ºC).
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, set your desired temperature then let it cook for 5 minutes without food.
🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
Step 2: Prepare the ingredients.
Mix avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Drizzle avocado oil over the frozen chicken legs. Make sure to coat it all over. Then, generously sprinkle this seasoning mix over the chicken drumsticks, covering them evenly.
Note: If you want to thaw the chicken drumsticks, do it overnight. Then, you can follow the cooking time and temperature from this recipe.
Step 3: Air Fry the frozen chicken legs at 380ºF (193ºC) for 25 – 30 minutes.
Place the seasoned chicken legs in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Air fry the chicken drumsticks at 380ºF (193ºC) for 25 – 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. Ensure that the chicken drumsticks reach 165ºF (74ºC) before serving.
💡 Pro Tip: Add 4 – 6 cooking time at 400ºF (204ºC) if you want extra crispy skin.
Step 4: Make a Sauce (Optional)
While your frozen chicken drumsticks in air fryer are cooking, you can prepare a dipping sauce on the side. Try a honey mustard sauce, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce for a delightful flavor boost.
I highly recommend ranch dipping sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cooking is complete, transfer the golden-brown chicken legs to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices.
There you have it—Air Fried Frozen Chicken Legs, a delicious and simple recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your air fryer repertoire. With just a few essential ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll achieve succulent, crispy chicken drumsticks in no time.
So, grab your air fryer, and let’s fry it to believe it! Your taste buds will be grateful for this easy and tasty treat. Happy cooking! 🍽️
What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Legs?
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The perfect comfort food complementing the crispy chicken legs.
- Roasted Broccoli: Colorful and nutritious roasted broccoli or carrots add a tasty balance to your meal.
- Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Asparagus: Sautéed green beans with garlic and Parmesan cheese create a savory side.
- Classic Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw with a tangy dressing brings a delightful crunch.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Make a batch of sweet potato fries for a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.
Freezing & Storage
Freezing: Unfortunately, it’s not ideal to refreeze this recipe.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken legs back in the preheated air fryer at 380ºF (193ºC) for about 5 – 7 minutes until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can air fry frozen chicken legs. Moreover, it’s way more convenient and can result in a delicious classic favorite. No need to thaw beforehand, making it a time-saving solution for a quick and satisfying meal.
It takes 25 – 30 minutes to cook frozen chicken legs in the air fryer at 380ºF (193ºC). Remember to flip the chicken drumsticks halfway through the cooking time for even results. Also, check that the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165ºF (74ºC) before serving.
This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs frozen
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for 5 minutes.
- Create the dry rub. Mix the garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub the chicken legs with avocado oil. It helps the seasoning stick and gives your chicken a beautiful golden color.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over the chicken drumsticks. Massage the drumsticks to make sure they're evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned chicken legs in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap.
- Air fry the chicken legs at 375 (190ºC) for 25 – 30 minutes or until the thickest part reaches 165ºF (74ºC). Halfway through, pause the air fryer and flip the chicken drumsticks to ensure even cooking. Add 4 – 6 more minutes at 400ºF (204ºC) for crispier skin.
- Let the chicken legs rest for 5 minutes before serving. Doing so, allows the juices to redistribute and ensures maximum tenderness.
- Serve your delicious air fried chicken drumsticks with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or a refreshing salad. Enjoy!
Notes
- Remember that cooking durations may differ depending on the chicken’s thickness and your air fryer’s size and model. Before serving, ensure it has been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 380°F (193°C) and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food.
- You can skip preheating by adding 2-4 minutes to your cooking time. Increment gradually to prevent burning the air fryer frozen chicken legs.
- I used a 6-quart (air fryer) to test the frozen chicken drumsticks. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Nutrition
Share or save this recipe for later:
Have you tried making the air fryer frozen chicken thighs recipe?
Leave us a note, and give this recipe a star rating. Good or bad, we appreciate your opinion. Let’s improve this air fryer recipe as a community!
Are you on Instagram? Share your photo and tag us at @fryitco. We can’t wait to see what you’ve made!
Or you can also subscribe to our Youtube Channel. We’re constantly uploading easy and tasty air fryer recipe videos, ASMR style.
You can also find us on Facebook & Tiktok 🙂. See you there!
Thank you for your support!
